DEALS

Lightning Fans

The Lightning fans in section 307 are intense. They chant, sing and harrass the opposing goalie throughout the game. Playoff time is no different. They meet at the downtown bar Hat Tricks two hour before the game. Near game time, they march to the ice palace, fist pump the Phil Esposito statue and walk in chanting and singing.

Rick Waz, of New Port Richey, shows his spirit for the Tampa Bay Lightning just prior to the first game Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Montreal Canadiens Wednesday in Tampa. CHRIS URSO/STAFF

Members of the Sticks of Fire fan group chant outside the Forum just prior to the Tampa Bay Lightning’s game against the Montreal Canadiens Wednesday in Tampa. CHRIS URSO/STAFF

Members of the Sticks of Fire fan group fist pump the statue of Phil Esposito outside the Forum just prior to the Tampa Bay Lightning’s game against the Montreal Canadiens Wednesday in Tampa. CHRIS URSO/STAFF

Tampa Bay Lightning fans make their way into the Forum for the first game of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Montreal Canadiens Wednesday in Tampa. CHRIS URSO/STAFF

Members of the Sticks of Fire fan group cheer during the opening seconds of the first game of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Montreal Canadiens Wednesday in Tampa. CHRIS URSO/STAFF

Sean Ruane, center, along with ther members of the Sticks of Fire fan group chant outside the Forum just prior to the Tampa Bay Lightning’s game against the Montreal Canadiens Wednesday in Tampa. CHRIS URSO/STAFF

Shawn “Shaggy” Dare, of Tampa, dances along with other members of the Sticks of Fire fan group just prior to the Tampa Bay Lightning’s first game of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Montreal Canadiens Wednesday in Tampa. CHRIS URSO/STAFF

Fans cheer as the Tampa Bay Lightning skate during the pregame warmup before the start of the Lightning versus Canadiens Wednesday at the Forum.
JASON BEHNKEN / STAFF

Lightning Fans

Members of the Sticks of Fire fan group cheer during the opening seconds of the first game of the Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Montreal Canadiens Wednesday in Tampa. CHRIS URSO/STAFF